KATHMANDU: The Office of the President has designated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Bijay Kumar Gachhadar as acting prime minister in the absence of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who left for New York today to attend the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Gachchhadar has been assigned as acting prime minister on the recommendation of Prime Minister Deuba, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Office of the President.